Where Youth and Laughter Go

Over Two Million Americans served in Europe during World War I
Many of their Stories Remain Untold
The Tahquamenon Country offered up many of its sons, fathers, and brothers to the Great War. Most of these men remain only as names inscribed on stone or as faded photographs in old albums.
However, in "Where Youth and Laughter Go," you will find the experiences of three soldiers who died struggling up Hill 212, outside Sergy, France; The story of a local Marine who was killed in the Battle of Belleau Wood; as well as the account of a school superintendent who became a bomber pilot, the unique wartime contributions of some area lumberjacks, and the tale of two young war brides who left France to live in the Upper Peninsula.
Their Stories are our history.

Randall Griffis grew up in rural western Colorado, served four years in the U.S. Air Force as an intelligence specialist, and deployed with the 58th Tactical Fighter Squadron in support of Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Later, he followed a girl to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and spent his professional career teaching high school history in Newberry, Michigan. Along the way he earned a B.A. in history, an M.S. in international relations, and raised two incredibly talented sons. He is still married to the girl, works part-time at a Christmas tree farm, and spends as much time as possible with his bandsaw and belt sander.